Pacey & Joey – Dawson’s Creek
We love Pacey and Joey because they represent the quintessential teenage love story. Full of spit and vinegar toggled with gooey romantic attraction, it’s got adolescent angst all the way to the bone. An on-again-off-again love triangle contributes to the will-they-or-won’t-they suspense.
The tension, whether it’s a love scene or another bicker and fight brawl is equally passionate. They break up, grandly, and then literally sail off to sea, romantically, in a sailboat, into the sunset. Can’t get more cliché-perfect than that!
Jackie & Kelso – That ’70s Show
Jackie and Kelso are a dingbat couple, but they’re so much fun. Here they are heading out on a date: “You can’t just maul me in front of my father,” Jackie complains. Kelso answers, “He didn’t even notice.” Jackie returns, “He yelled at you to stop it.” And Kelso, “Oh, I thought he was talking to you.” Corny but sweet.
They have trouble staying together because they’re continuously two-timing each other, but the makeups are amorous. They split in the end. The good news is they’re together in real life.
Rainbow & Dre – Black-ish
This couple is the centerpiece of Black-ish. They are the parents of a wealthy middle-class family committed to love. Think polar opposites of Cookie and Luscious, and you’re on the right track. Mom’s a doctor and dad’s an ad exec who tries to instill the values of black culture into his children.
Rainbow and Dre’s affections are sweet. When their perfect marriage is challenged, they keep it real and work on their relationship. They get their “flow” back and that’s all that matters.
Pam & Jim – The Office
Pam and Jim are, by far, the cutest workplace relationship on TV. This couple adores each other, and instead of irony and teasing, they’re just totally sweet. Loving, caring and funny, we love their chemistry.
They’re best friends, and their interludes are a romantic relief to the comedic routines. Public Displays of Affection (PDA) between these two are not against office policy, they’re celebrated.
Florida & James – Good Times
Florida and James epitomize the distinctive black marriage—a strong woman with a respectful and doting husband. When these two bicker, they get into deep subjects. After James refers to Florida’s way as being a “women’s-libber”, she tells him, “James, women’s lib don’t mean we want to stop being women, it just means we want our chance in this world too.”
This ’70s show bleeds of the social consciousness of the day, and Florida and James are one of TV’s most inspirational couples, regardless of the times.